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Case-control study, 2019

Does inflammation affect mood in women with PMS?

In female soccer players, those with PMS had higher levels of inflammatory markers and reported more depression and tension at certain cycle phases compared to those without PMS.

Early or limited evidence Female soccer players, 8 total, 59.6% with PMS

What they did

Measured inflammatory markers in urine and mood in female soccer players before and after a game during both the luteal phase and follicular phase of one menstrual cycle.

What they found

59.6% of athletes had PMS. The PMS group had higher levels of interleukin-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 than those without PMS. Women with PMS reported higher tension before games in the follicular phase and higher depression before games in the luteal phase. IL-6 decreased after the game in both cycle phases.

What it means for you

PMS may involve increased inflammation that contributes to mood changes. However, this is a very small study of only female athletes, so results may not apply to other women or non-athletes.

59.6%

of athletes had PMS

8

total participants

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome, Inflammatory Status, and Mood States in Soccer Players
Authors
Foster R, Vaisberg M, Bachi ALL et al.
Journal
Neuroimmunomodulation
Year
2019
Study design
Case-control study
Participants
8
What was tested
Measurement before and after athletic competition across cycle phases

Topics